1
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Richards BA, Goncalves AG, Sullivan MO, Chen W. Engineering protein nanoparticles for drug delivery. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2024; 86:103070. [PMID: 38354452 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2024.103070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Protein nanoparticles offer a highly tunable platform for engineering multifunctional drug delivery vehicles that can improve drug efficacy and reduce off-target effects. While many protein nanoparticles have demonstrated the ability to tolerate genetic and posttranslational modifications for drug delivery applications, this review will focus on three protein nanoparticles of increasing size. Each protein nanoparticle possesses distinct properties such as highly tunable stability, capacity for splitting or fusing subunits for modular surface decoration, and well-characterized conformational changes with impressive capacity for large protein cargos. While many of the genetic and posttranslational modifications leverage these protein nanoparticle's properties, the shared techniques highlight engineering approaches that have been generalized across many protein nanoparticle platforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blake A Richards
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA
| | - Antonio G Goncalves
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA
| | - Millicent O Sullivan
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA.
| | - Wilfred Chen
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA.
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2
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Pusara S, Wenzel W, Kozlowska M. Impact of DNA on interactions between core proteins of Hepatitis B virus-like particles comprising different C-terminals. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 263:130365. [PMID: 38401590 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.130365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) virus-like particles (VLPs) are promising therapeutic agents derived from HBV core proteins (Cp). This study investigates the assembly dynamics of HBV VLPs, which is crucial for their potential as drug carriers or gene delivery systems. Coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations explore the impact of C-terminal domain length (in the Cp ranging from Cp149 to wild-type Cp183) on Cp assembly and stability, particularly in the presence of DNA. Our findings reveal that the C-terminal nucleic acid binding region significantly influences Cp assembly and stability of trimers comprising Cp dimers. Shorter C-terminal domains (Cp164, Cp167) enhance stability and protein-protein interactions, while interactions between naturally occurring Cp183 are destabilized in the absence of DNA. Interestingly, DNA addition further stabilizes Cp assemblies, and this effect is influenced by the length of the nucleic acid binding region. Shorter C-terminal domains show less dependency on DNA content. This stabilization is attributed to electrostatic forces between positively charged C-terminal chains and negatively charged nucleic acids. Our study sheds light on the molecular mechanisms governing protein-protein and protein-DNA interactions in HBV VLP assembly, providing insights into Cp processability and informing the development of efficient gene therapy carriers using VLP technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Srdjan Pusara
- Institute of Nanotechnology, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology KIT, Kaiserstraße 12, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Wenzel
- Institute of Nanotechnology, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology KIT, Kaiserstraße 12, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Mariana Kozlowska
- Institute of Nanotechnology, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology KIT, Kaiserstraße 12, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany.
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3
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Taghizadeh MS, Niazi A, Afsharifar A. Virus-like particles (VLPs): A promising platform for combating against Newcastle disease virus. Vaccine X 2024; 16:100440. [PMID: 38283623 PMCID: PMC10811427 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvacx.2024.100440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
The global poultry industry plays a pivotal role in providing eggs and meat for human consumption. However, outbreaks of viral disease, especially Newcastle virus disease (NDV), within poultry farms have detrimental effects on various zootechnical parameters, such as body weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, as well as the quality of egg and meat production. Cases of vaccine failure have been reported in regions where highly pathogenic strains of NDV are prevalent. To tackle this challenge, virus-like particles (VLPs) have emerged as a potential solution. VLPs closely resemble natural viruses, offering biocompatibility and immune-stimulating properties that make them highly promising for therapeutic applications against NDV. Hence, this review emphasizes the significance of NDV and the need for effective treatments. The manuscript will contain several key aspects, starting with an exploration of the structure and properties of NDV. Subsequently, the paper will delve into the characteristics and benefits of VLPs compared to conventional drug delivery systems. A comprehensive analysis of VLPs as potential vaccine candidates targeting NDV will be presented, along with a discussion on strategies for loading cargo into these NDV-targeting VLPs. The review will also examine various expression systems utilized in the production of NDV-targeting VLPs. Additionally, the manuscript will address future prospects and challenges in the field, concluding with recommendations for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ali Niazi
- Institute of Biotechnology, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Alireza Afsharifar
- Plant Virus Research Center, School of Agriculture, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
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4
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Valentic A, Böhner N, Hubbuch J. Absolute Quantification of Hepatitis B Core Antigen (HBcAg) Virus-like Particles and Bound Nucleic Acids. Viruses 2023; 16:13. [PMID: 38275948 PMCID: PMC10820971 DOI: 10.3390/v16010013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Effective process development towards intensified processing for gene delivery applications using Hepatitis B core Antigen (HBcAg) virus-like particles (VLPs) relies on analytical methods for the absolute quantification of HBcAg VLP proteins and bound nucleic acids. We investigated a silica spin column (SC)-based extraction procedure, including proteinase K lysis and silica chromatography, for the absolute quantification of different species of nucleic acids bound to HBcAg VLPs analyzed by dye-based fluorescence assays. This revealed load-dependent nucleic acid recoveries of the silica-SC-based extraction. We also developed a reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) method to separate and quantify the HBcAg proteins and the bound nucleic acids simultaneously without prior sample treatment by dissociation reagents. The method demonstrated sufficient linearity, accuracy, and precision coefficients and is suited for determining absolute protein and nucleic acid concentrations and HBcAg protein purities at various purification stages. Both the silica-SC-based extraction and the RP-based extraction presented overcome the limitations of analytical techniques, which are restricted to relative or qualitative analyses for HBcAg VLPs with bound nucleic acids. In combination with existing analytics, the methods for an absolute quantification of HBcAg VLPs and bound nucleic acids presented here are required to evaluate downstream purification steps, such as the removal of host cell-derived nucleic acids, concurrent protein loss, and efficient loading with therapeutic nucleic acids. Hence, the methods are key for effective process development when using HBcAg VLP as potential gene delivery vehicles.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jürgen Hubbuch
- Institute of Process Engineering in Life Sciences—Section IV: Biomolecular Separation Engineering, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany; (A.V.); (N.B.)
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5
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Chen YL, Bao CJ, Duan JL, Xie Y, Lu WL. Overcoming biological barriers by virus-like drug particles for drug delivery. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2023; 203:115134. [PMID: 37926218 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2023.115134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Virus-like particles (VLPs) have natural structural antigens similar to those found in viruses, making them valuable in vaccine immunization. Furthermore, VLPs have demonstrated significant potential in drug delivery, and emerged as promising vectors for transporting chemical drug, genetic drug, peptide/protein, and even nanoparticle drug. With virus-like permeability and strong retention, they can effectively target specific organs, tissues or cells, facilitating efficient intracellular drug release. Further modifications allow VLPs to transfer across various physiological barriers, thus acting the purpose of efficient drug delivery and accurate therapy. This article provides an overview of VLPs, covering their structural classifications, deliverable drugs, potential physiological barriers in drug delivery, strategies for overcoming these barriers, and future prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Ling Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery Systems, and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Chun-Jie Bao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery Systems, and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China; School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China; Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Jia-Lun Duan
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery Systems, and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China; Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Ying Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery Systems, and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China.
| | - Wan-Liang Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery Systems, and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China.
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6
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Bastin G, Gantzer C, Schvoerer E, Sautrey G. The presence of RNA cargo is suspected to modify the surface hydrophobicity of the MS2 phage. Virology 2023; 585:139-144. [PMID: 37343460 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2023.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
The surface hydrophobicity of native or engineered non-enveloped viruses and virus-like particles (VLPs) is a key parameter regulating their fate in living and artificial aqueous systems. Its modulation is mainly depending on the structure and environment of particles. Nevertheless, unexplained variations have been reported between structurally similar viruses and with pH. This indicates that some modulating factors of their hydrophobicity remain to be identified. Herein we investigate the potential involvement of RNA cargo in the MS2 phage used as non-enveloped RNA virus model, by examining the SDS-induced electrophoretic mobility shift (SEMS) determined for native MS2 virions and corresponding RNA-free VLPs at various pH. Interestingly, the SEMS of VLPs was larger and more variable from pH 5 to 9 compared to native virions. These observations are discussed in term of RNA-dependent changes in surface hydrophobicity, suggesting that RNA cargo may be a major modulator/regulator of this viral parameter.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Evelyne Schvoerer
- Université de Lorraine, CNRS, LCPME, F-54000, Nancy, France; Laboratoire de Virologie - Microbiologie, Hôpital Universitaire de Nancy, F-54500, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France.
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7
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Hillebrandt N, Hubbuch J. Size-selective downstream processing of virus particles and non-enveloped virus-like particles. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1192050. [PMID: 37304136 PMCID: PMC10248422 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1192050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-enveloped virus-like particles (VLPs) are versatile protein nanoparticles with great potential for biopharmaceutical applications. However, conventional protein downstream processing (DSP) and platform processes are often not easily applicable due to the large size of VLPs and virus particles (VPs) in general. The application of size-selective separation techniques offers to exploit the size difference between VPs and common host-cell impurities. Moreover, size-selective separation techniques offer the potential for wide applicability across different VPs. In this work, basic principles and applications of size-selective separation techniques are reviewed to highlight their potential in DSP of VPs. Finally, specific DSP steps for non-enveloped VLPs and their subunits are reviewed as well as the potential applications and benefits of size-selective separation techniques are shown.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jürgen Hubbuch
- Institute of Engineering in Life Sciences, Section IV: Biomolecular Separation Engineering, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Karlsruhe, Germany
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8
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Dishlers A, Petrovskis I, Skrastina D, Zarina I, Lieknina I, Jansons J, Akopjana I, Zakova J, Ose V, Sominskaya I. PreS1 Containing HBc VLPs for the Development of a Combined Therapeutic/Prophylactic Hepatitis B Vaccine. Microorganisms 2023; 11:microorganisms11040972. [PMID: 37110395 PMCID: PMC10142831 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11040972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The available HBV vaccines based on the HBV surface protein are manufactured in yeasts and demonstrate excellent prophylactic but no therapeutic activity and are thus ineffective against chronic HBV infection. Five different HBV core proteins (HBc)-full length and C-terminally truncated-were used for the insertion of the short, preS1,aa 20-47 and long, preS1phil, aa 12-60 + 89-119 fragments. Modified virus-like particles (VLPs) were compared for their biotechnological and immunological properties. The expression level of HBc-preS1 proteins was high for all investigated proteins, allowing us to obtain 10-20 mg of purified VLPs from a gram of biomass with the combination of gel filtration and ion-exchange chromatography to reach approximately 90% purity of target proteins. The immunogenicity of chimeric VLPs was tested in BALB/c mice, showing a high anti-preS1 response and substantial T-cell proliferation after stimulation with HBc protein. Targeted incorporation of oligonucleotide ODN 1668 in modified HBc-preS1 VLPs was demonstrated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andris Dishlers
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, Ratsupites Str. 1, 1067 Riga, Latvia
| | - Ivars Petrovskis
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, Ratsupites Str. 1, 1067 Riga, Latvia
| | - Dace Skrastina
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, Ratsupites Str. 1, 1067 Riga, Latvia
| | - Ieva Zarina
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, Ratsupites Str. 1, 1067 Riga, Latvia
| | - Ilva Lieknina
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, Ratsupites Str. 1, 1067 Riga, Latvia
| | - Juris Jansons
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, Ratsupites Str. 1, 1067 Riga, Latvia
| | - Inara Akopjana
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, Ratsupites Str. 1, 1067 Riga, Latvia
| | - Jelena Zakova
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, Ratsupites Str. 1, 1067 Riga, Latvia
| | - Velta Ose
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, Ratsupites Str. 1, 1067 Riga, Latvia
| | - Irina Sominskaya
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, Ratsupites Str. 1, 1067 Riga, Latvia
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9
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Yuan B, Liu Y, Lv M, Sui Y, Hou S, Yang T, Belhadj Z, Zhou Y, Chang N, Ren Y, Sun C. Virus-like particle-based nanocarriers as an emerging platform for drug delivery. J Drug Target 2023; 31:433-455. [PMID: 36940208 DOI: 10.1080/1061186x.2023.2193358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/21/2023]
Abstract
New nanocarrier technologies are emerging, and they have great potential for improving drug delivery, targeting efficiency, and bioavailability. Virus-like particles (VLPs) are natural nanoparticles from animal and plant viruses and bacteriophages. Hence, VLPs present several great advantages, such as morphological uniformity, biocompatibility, reduced toxicity, and easy functionalisation. VLPs can deliver many active ingredients to the target tissue and have great potential as a nanocarrier to overcome the limitations associated with other nanoparticles. This review will focus primarily on the construction and applications of VLPs, particularly as a novel nanocarrier to deliver active ingredients. Herein, the main methods for the construction, purification, and characterisation of VLPs, as well as various VLP-based materials used in delivery systems are summarised. The biological distribution of VLPs in drug delivery, phagocyte-mediated clearance, and toxicity are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yang Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, No.100, Kexue Avenue, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Meilin Lv
- Harbin Medical University-Daqing, Daqing 163319, China
| | - Yilei Sui
- Harbin Medical University-Daqing, Daqing 163319, China
| | - Shenghua Hou
- Harbin Medical University-Daqing, Daqing 163319, China
| | - Tinghui Yang
- Harbin Medical University-Daqing, Daqing 163319, China
| | - Zakia Belhadj
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmaceutics and New Drug Delivery Systems, State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Yulong Zhou
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing 163319, China
| | - Naidan Chang
- Harbin Medical University-Daqing, Daqing 163319, China
| | - Yachao Ren
- Harbin Medical University-Daqing, Daqing 163319, China.,School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Tianjin University of Technology, tianjin, 300000, China
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10
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Sun X, Cui Z. Microbiological Nanotechnology. Nanomedicine (Lond) 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/978-981-16-8984-0_16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
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11
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Virus-Like Particles as Nanocarriers for Intracellular Delivery of Biomolecules and Compounds. Viruses 2022; 14:v14091905. [PMID: 36146711 PMCID: PMC9503347 DOI: 10.3390/v14091905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Virus-like particles (VLPs) are nanostructures assemble from viral proteins. Besides widely used for vaccine development, VLPs have also been explored as nanocarriers for cargo delivery as they combine the key advantages of viral and non-viral vectors. While it protects cargo molecules from degradation, the VLP has good cell penetrating property to mediate cargo passing the cell membrane and released into cells, making the VLP an ideal tool for intracellular delivery of biomolecules and drugs. Great progresses have been achieved and multiple challenges are still on the way for broad applications of VLP as delivery vectors. Here we summarize current advances and applications in VLP as a delivery vector. Progresses on delivery of different types of biomolecules as well as drugs by VLPs are introduced, and the strategies for cargo packaging are highlighted which is one of the key steps for VLP mediated intracellular delivery. Production and applications of VLPs are also briefly reviewed, with a discussion on future challenges in this rapidly developing field.
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12
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Valentic A, Müller J, Hubbuch J. Effects of Different Lengths of a Nucleic Acid Binding Region and Bound Nucleic Acids on the Phase Behavior and Purification Process of HBcAg Virus-Like Particles. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:929243. [PMID: 35845397 PMCID: PMC9283707 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.929243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Virus-like particles (VLPs) are macromolecular structures with great potential as vehicles for the targeted administration of functional molecules. Loaded with nucleic acids, VLPs are a promising approach for nanocarriers needed for gene therapy. There is broad knowledge of the manufacturing of the truncated wild-type lacking a nucleic acid binding region, which is mainly being investigated for vaccine applications. Whereas for their potential application as a nanocarrier for gene therapy, hepatitis B core antigen (HBcAg) VLPs with a nucleic acid binding region for efficient cargo-loading are being investigated. VLP structure, loading, and phase behavior are of central importance to their therapeutic efficacy and thereby considerably affecting the production process. Therefore, HBcAg VLPs with different lengths of the nucleic acid binding region were produced in E. coli. VLP attributes such as size, zeta potential, and loading with host cell-derived nucleic acids were evaluated. Capsid’s size and zeta potential of the VLP constructs did not differ remarkably, whereas the analysis of the loading with host cell-derived nucleic acids revealed strong differences in the binding of host cell-derived nucleic acids dependent on the length of the binding region of the constructs, with a non-linear correlation but a two-zone behavior. Moreover, the phase behavior and purification process of the HBcAg VLPs as a function of the liquid phase conditions and the presence of host cell-derived nucleic acids were investigated. Selective VLP precipitation using ammonium sulfate was scarcely affected by the encapsulated nucleic acids. However, the disassembly reaction, which is crucial for structure homogeneity, separation of encapsulated impurities, and effective loading of the VLPs with therapeutic nucleic acids, was affected both by the studied liquid phase conditions, varying pH and concentration of reducing agents, and the different VLP constructs and amount of bound nucleic acids, respectively. Thereby, capsid-stabilizing effects of the bound nucleic acids and capsid-destabilizing effects of the nucleic acid binding region were observed, following the two-zone behavior of the construct’s loading, and a resulting correlation between the capsid stability and disassembly yields could be derived.
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Hillebrandt N, Vormittag P, Dietrich A, Hubbuch J. Process Monitoring Framework for Cross‐flow Diafiltration‐based Virus‐like Particle Disassembly: Tracing Product Properties and Filtration Performance. Biotechnol Bioeng 2022; 119:1522-1538. [DOI: 10.1002/bit.28063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2021] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nils Hillebrandt
- Institute of Engineering in Life Sciences, Section IV: Biomolecular Separation Engineering, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) Fritz‐Haber‐Weg 2 76131 Karlsruhe Baden‐Württemberg Germany
| | - Philipp Vormittag
- Institute of Engineering in Life Sciences, Section IV: Biomolecular Separation Engineering, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) Fritz‐Haber‐Weg 2 76131 Karlsruhe Baden‐Württemberg Germany
| | - Annabelle Dietrich
- Institute of Engineering in Life Sciences, Section IV: Biomolecular Separation Engineering, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) Fritz‐Haber‐Weg 2 76131 Karlsruhe Baden‐Württemberg Germany
| | - Jürgen Hubbuch
- Institute of Engineering in Life Sciences, Section IV: Biomolecular Separation Engineering, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) Fritz‐Haber‐Weg 2 76131 Karlsruhe Baden‐Württemberg Germany
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14
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McFall-Boegeman H, Huang X. Mechanisms of cellular and humoral immunity through the lens of VLP-based vaccines. Expert Rev Vaccines 2022; 21:453-469. [PMID: 35023430 PMCID: PMC8960355 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2022.2029415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Vaccination can be effective defense against many infectious agents and the corresponding diseases. Discoveries elucidating the mechanisms of the immune system have given hopes to developing vaccines against diseases recalcitrant to current treatment/prevention strategies. One such finding is the ability of immunogenic biological nanoparticles to powerfully boost the immunogenicity of poorer antigens conjugated to them with virus-like particle (VLP)-based vaccines as a key example. VLPs take advantage of the well-defined molecular structures associated with sub-unit vaccines and the immunostimulatory nature of conjugate vaccines. AREAS COVERED In this review, we will discuss how advances in understanding the immune system can inform VLP-based vaccine design and how VLP-based vaccines have uncovered underlying mechanisms in the immune system. EXPERT OPINION As our understanding of mechanisms underlying the immune system increases, that knowledge should inform our vaccine design. Testing of proof-of-concept vaccines in the lab should seek to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of immune responses. The integration of these approaches will allow for VLP-based vaccines to live up to their promise as a powerful plug-and-play platform for next generation vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hunter McFall-Boegeman
- Department of Chemistry, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, USA.,Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, USA
| | - Xuefei Huang
- Department of Chemistry, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, USA.,Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, USA.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, USA
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15
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Microbiological Nanotechnology. Nanomedicine (Lond) 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/978-981-13-9374-7_16-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022] Open
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16
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Niklasch M, Zimmermann P, Nassal M. The Hepatitis B Virus Nucleocapsid-Dynamic Compartment for Infectious Virus Production and New Antiviral Target. Biomedicines 2021; 9:1577. [PMID: 34829806 PMCID: PMC8615760 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9111577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a small enveloped DNA virus which replicates its tiny 3.2 kb genome by reverse transcription inside an icosahedral nucleocapsid, formed by a single ~180 amino acid capsid, or core, protein (Cp). HBV causes chronic hepatitis B (CHB), a severe liver disease responsible for nearly a million deaths each year. Most of HBV's only seven primary gene products are multifunctional. Though less obvious than for the multi-domain polymerase, P protein, this is equally crucial for Cp with its multiple roles in the viral life-cycle. Cp provides a stable genome container during extracellular phases, allows for directed intracellular genome transport and timely release from the capsid, and subsequent assembly of new nucleocapsids around P protein and the pregenomic (pg) RNA, forming a distinct compartment for reverse transcription. These opposing features are enabled by dynamic post-transcriptional modifications of Cp which result in dynamic structural alterations. Their perturbation by capsid assembly modulators (CAMs) is a promising new antiviral concept. CAMs inappropriately accelerate assembly and/or distort the capsid shell. We summarize the functional, biochemical, and structural dynamics of Cp, and discuss the therapeutic potential of CAMs based on clinical data. Presently, CAMs appear as a valuable addition but not a substitute for existing therapies. However, as part of rational combination therapies CAMs may bring the ambitious goal of a cure for CHB closer to reality.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Michael Nassal
- Internal Medicine II/Molecular Biology, University Hospital Freiburg, Hugstetter Str. 55, D-79106 Freiburg, Germany; (M.N.); (P.Z.)
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17
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Sharma NK, Sarode S, Sarode G. Natural vaccines accumulated in facemasks during COVID-19: Underappreciated role of facial masking. J Oral Biol Craniofac Res 2021; 12:42-44. [PMID: 34660190 PMCID: PMC8511630 DOI: 10.1016/j.jobcr.2021.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2021] [Revised: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a causal agent behind coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Despite promising developments in therapeutic and preventive avenues, the importance of facial masking is a key factor for the protective measures among exposed human populations. Preclinical and clinical data on the importance of facial masking concerning asymptomatic over symptomatic COVID-19 cases is limited. The recent introduction of the concept of SARS-CoV-2 associated molecular particle patterns (SAMPPs) as a natural vaccine has opened new avenues for the comprehensive development of immunity. To take this further, the scope of natural vaccines accumulated in facemasks during facial masking needs to be highlighted that may directly or indirectly contribute to building adaptive immunity among human populations. This paper attempts to discuss the underappreciated contributions of facial masking in the management of COVID-19 at the global level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nilesh Kumar Sharma
- Dr. D.Y. Patil Institute of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pimpri, Pune, 411018, Maharashtra, India
| | - Sachin Sarode
- Dr. D.Y. Patil Dental College and Hospital, Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pimpri, Pune, 411018, Maharashtra, India
| | - Gargi Sarode
- Dr. D.Y. Patil Dental College and Hospital, Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pimpri, Pune, 411018, Maharashtra, India
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18
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Hillebrandt N, Vormittag P, Dietrich A, Wegner CH, Hubbuch J. Process development for cross-flow diafiltration-based VLP disassembly: A novel high-throughput screening approach. Biotechnol Bioeng 2021; 118:3926-3940. [PMID: 34170511 DOI: 10.1002/bit.27868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Revised: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Virus-like particles (VLPs) are particulate structures, which are applied as vaccines or delivery vehicles. VLPs assemble from subunits, named capsomeres, composed of recombinantly expressed viral structural proteins. During downstream processing, in vivo-assembled VLPs are typically dis- and reassembled to remove encapsulated impurities and to improve particle morphology. Disassembly is achieved in a high-pH solution and by the addition of a denaturant or reducing agent. The optimal disassembly conditions depend on the VLP amino acid sequence and structure, thus requiring material-consuming disassembly experiments. To this end, we developed a low-volume and high-resolution disassembly screening that provides time-resolved insight into the VLP disassembly progress. In this study, two variants of C-terminally truncated hepatitis B core antigen were investigated showing different disassembly behaviors. For both VLPs, the best capsomere yield was achieved at moderately high urea concentration and pH. Nonetheless, their disassembly behaviors differed particularly with respect to disassembly rate and aggregation. Based on the high-throughput screening results, a diafiltration-based disassembly process step was developed. Compared with mixing-based disassembly, it resulted in higher yields of up to 0.84 and allowed for integrated purification. This process step was embedded in a filtration-based process sequence of disassembly, capsomere separation, and reassembly, considerably reducing high-molecular-weight species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nils Hillebrandt
- Institute of Engineering in Life Sciences - Section IV: Biomolecular Separation Engineering, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Karlsruhe, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
| | - Philipp Vormittag
- Institute of Engineering in Life Sciences - Section IV: Biomolecular Separation Engineering, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Karlsruhe, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
| | - Annabelle Dietrich
- Institute of Engineering in Life Sciences - Section IV: Biomolecular Separation Engineering, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Karlsruhe, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
| | - Christina H Wegner
- Institute of Engineering in Life Sciences - Section IV: Biomolecular Separation Engineering, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Karlsruhe, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
| | - Jürgen Hubbuch
- Institute of Engineering in Life Sciences - Section IV: Biomolecular Separation Engineering, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Karlsruhe, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
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19
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Zhang B, Yin S, Wang Y, Su Z, Bi J. Cost-effective purification process development for chimeric hepatitis B core (HBc) virus-like particles assisted by molecular dynamic simulation. Eng Life Sci 2021; 21:438-452. [PMID: 34140854 PMCID: PMC8182290 DOI: 10.1002/elsc.202000104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Revised: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Inserting foreign epitopes to hepatitis B core (HBc) virus-like particles (VLPs) could influence the molecular conformation and therefore vary the purification process. In this study, a cost-effective purification process was developed for two chimeric HBc VLPs displaying Epstein-Barr nuclear antigens 1 (EBNA1), and hepatitis C virus (HCV) core. Both chimeric VLPs were expressed in soluble form with high production yields in Escherichia coli. Molecular dynamic (MD) simulation was employed to predict the stability of chimeric VLPs. HCV core-HBc was found to be less stable in water environment compared with EBNA1-HBc, indicating its higher hydrophobicity. Assisting with MD simulation, ammonium sulfate precipitation was optimized to remove host cell proteins with high target protein recovery yields. Moreover, 99% DNA impurities were removed using POROS 50 HQ chromatography. In characterization measurement, we found that inserting HCV core epitope would reduce the ratio of α-helix of HCV core-HBc. This could be another reason on the top of its higher hydrophobicity predicted by MD simulation, causing its less stability. Tertiary structure, transmission electron microscopy, and immunogenicity results indicate that two chimeric VLPs maintained correct VLP structure ensuring its bioactivity after being processed by the developed cost-effective purification approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingyang Zhang
- School of Chemical Engineering & Advanced Materials, Faculty of Engineering, Computer and Mathematical SciencesUniversity of AdelaideAdelaideSAAustralia
| | - Shuang Yin
- School of Chemical Engineering & Advanced Materials, Faculty of Engineering, Computer and Mathematical SciencesUniversity of AdelaideAdelaideSAAustralia
| | - Yingli Wang
- School of Chinese Medicine and Food EngineeringShanxi University of Traditional Chinese MedicineJinzhongShanxi ProvinceP. R. China
| | - Zhiguo Su
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process EngineeringChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingP. R. China
| | - Jingxiu Bi
- School of Chemical Engineering & Advanced Materials, Faculty of Engineering, Computer and Mathematical SciencesUniversity of AdelaideAdelaideSAAustralia
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20
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Production of the HBc Protein from Different HBV Genotypes in E. coli. Use of Reassociated HBc VLPs for Packaging of ss- and dsRNA. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9020283. [PMID: 33573151 PMCID: PMC7912224 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9020283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The core proteins (HBc) of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotypes A, B, C, D, E, F, and G were cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli (E. coli), and HBc-formed virus-like particles (VLPs) were purified with ammonium sulfate precipitation, gel filtration, and ion exchange chromatography (IEX). The best VLP yield was found for the HBc of the HBV genotypes D and G. For the HBc of the HBV genotypes D, F, and G, the possibility of dissociation and reassociation maintaining the native HBc structure was demonstrated. Single-stranded (ss) and double-stranded (ds) ribonucleic acid (RNA) was successfully packed into HBc VLPs for the HBV genotypes D and G.
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21
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Wang Y, Zhang Y, Yu Y, Ren L, Wang J, Cheng L, Jiang D, Guo X, Teng T, Luo X, Lv S, Wang X, Wang H, Shi X, Zhang H, Bi S. Preparation and preliminary evaluation of hepatitis B core antigen virus like nanoparticles loaded with indocyanine green. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2021; 8:1661. [PMID: 33490173 PMCID: PMC7812214 DOI: 10.21037/atm-20-7478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Background In recent years, nanotechnology has attracted a plethora of attention due of its ability to effectively diagnose and treat various tumors. Virus-like particles (VLPs) have good biocompatibility, are safe and non-toxic, and have an internal hollow space, and as such they are often used as nano drug carriers. In recent years, it has become one of the hot spots in the field of biopharmaceutical engineering. Methods In this study, the tumor-targeting peptide RGD (Arg-Gly-Asp) was genetically inserted into the major immunodominant region (MIR) of the hepatitis B virus core protein (HBc). A series of characterization, including stability and optical properties, were evaluated. A visual diagnosis and analysis of the efficacy against tumor cells were conducted at the cell level and using a live animal model. Results This study demonstrated that the recombinant HBc-based VLPs could participate in self-assembly of monodispersed nanoparticles with well-defined morphology, and the near-infrared dye indocyanine green (ICG) could be packaged into the VLPs without any chemical modification. Moreover, the HBc-based VLPs could specifically target cancer cells via the interaction with overexpressed integrin αvβ3. The treatment with ICG-loaded HBc-based VLPs showed significant inhibition of 4T1 breast cancer cell growth (84.87% tumor growth inhibition). The in vivo imaging experiments demonstrated that the ICG-loaded HBc-based VLPs generated excellent fluorescence in tumor sites in 4T1 breast cancer bearing mice. This provided crucial information on tumor mass location, boundaries, and shape. Moreover, compared to free ICG, the nanosystem showed significantly longer blood circulation time and superior accuracy in targeting the tumor. Conclusions The ICG-loaded HBc-based VLPs prepared in this study were of good stability and biocompatibility. It showed strong tumor targeting specificity and tumor visualization. Thus, it is expected to provide a new experimental basis and theoretical support for the integration of VLPs in the clinical diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunlong Wang
- Henan Bioengineering Research Center, Zhengzhou, China.,Zhengzhou Technical College, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yiqing Zhang
- Henan Bioengineering Research Center, Zhengzhou, China.,Zhengzhou Technical College, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yinyin Yu
- Henan General Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Lei Ren
- Department of Biomaterials, Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering of Fujian Province, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surface, College of Materials, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Jichuang Wang
- Henan Bioengineering Research Center, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Lei Cheng
- Henan Bioengineering Research Center, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Dandan Jiang
- Henan Bioengineering Research Center, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xiangqian Guo
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Tieshan Teng
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | | | - Shuangyu Lv
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | | | - Huirui Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Luoyang Central Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Luoyang, China
| | - Xinpeng Shi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Luoyang Central Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Luoyang, China
| | - Heng Zhang
- Henan General Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Shengli Bi
- Henan Bioengineering Research Center, Zhengzhou, China
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22
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Comas-Garcia M, Colunga-Saucedo M, Rosales-Mendoza S. The Role of Virus-Like Particles in Medical Biotechnology. Mol Pharm 2020; 17:4407-4420. [PMID: 33147978 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.0c00828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Virus-like particles (VLPs) are protein-based, nanoscale, self-assembling, cage architectures, which have relevant applications in biomedicine. They can be used for the development of vaccines, imaging approaches, drug and gene therapy delivery systems, and in vitro diagnostic methods. Today, three relevant viruses are targeted using VLP-based recombinant vaccines. VLP-based drug delivery, nanoreactors for therapy, and imaging systems are approaches under development with promising outcomes. Several VLP-based vaccines are under clinical evaluation. Herein, an updated view on the VLP-based biomedical applications is provided; advanced methods for the production, functionalization, and drug loading of VLPs are described, and perspectives for the field are identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauricio Comas-Garcia
- Department of Sciences, Autonomous University of San Luis Potosi, San Luis Potosi 78295, México.,Genomic Medicine Section, Research Center for Health Sciences and Biomedicine, Autonomous University of San Luis Potosi, San Luis Potosi 78210, México.,High-Resolution Microscopy Section, Research Center for Health Sciences and Biomedicine, Autonomous University of San Luis Potosi, San Luis Potosi 78210, México
| | - Mayra Colunga-Saucedo
- Genomic Medicine Section, Research Center for Health Sciences and Biomedicine, Autonomous University of San Luis Potosi, San Luis Potosi 78210, México
| | - Sergio Rosales-Mendoza
- Departament of Chemical Sciences, Autonomous University of San Luis Potosi, San Luis Potosi 78210, México.,Biotechnology Section, Research Center for Health Sciences and Biomedicine, Autonomous University of San Luis Potosi, San Luis Potosi 78210, México
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23
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Peyret H, Ponndorf D, Meshcheriakova Y, Richardson J, Lomonossoff GP. Covalent protein display on Hepatitis B core-like particles in plants through the in vivo use of the SpyTag/SpyCatcher system. Sci Rep 2020; 10:17095. [PMID: 33051543 PMCID: PMC7555512 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-74105-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Virus-like particles (VLPs) can be used as nano-carriers and antigen-display systems in vaccine development and therapeutic applications. Conjugation of peptides or whole proteins to VLPs can be achieved using different methods such as the SpyTag/SpyCatcher system. Here we investigate the conjugation of tandem Hepatitis B core (tHBcAg) VLPs and the model antigen GFP in vivo in Nicotiana benthamiana. We show that tHBcAg VLPs could be successfully conjugated with GFP in the cytosol and ER without altering VLP formation or GFP fluorescence. Conjugation in the cytosol was more efficient when SpyCatcher was displayed on tHBcAg VLPs instead of being fused to GFP. This effect was even more obvious in the ER, showing that it is optimal to display SpyCatcher on the tHBcAg VLPs and SpyTag on the binding partner. To test transferability of the GFP results to other antigens, we successfully conjugated tHBcAg VLPs to the HIV capsid protein P24 in the cytosol. This work presents an efficient strategy which can lead to time and cost saving post-translational, covalent conjugation of recombinant proteins in plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hadrien Peyret
- Department of Biological Chemistry, John Innes Centre, Norwich, NR4 7UH, UK.
| | - Daniel Ponndorf
- Department of Biological Chemistry, John Innes Centre, Norwich, NR4 7UH, UK
| | | | - Jake Richardson
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, John Innes Centre, Norwich, NR4 7UH, UK
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24
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Zhang Y, Liu Y, Zhang B, Yin S, Li X, Zhao D, Wang W, Bi J, Su Z. In vitro preparation of uniform and nucleic acid free hepatitis B core particles through an optimized disassembly-purification-reassembly process. Protein Expr Purif 2020; 178:105747. [PMID: 32898688 DOI: 10.1016/j.pep.2020.105747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Revised: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Structure heterogeneity and host nucleic acids contamination are two major problems for virus-like particles (VLPs) produced by various host cells. In this study, an in vitro optimized disassembly-purification-reassembly process was developed to obtain uniform and nucleic acid free hepatitis B core (HBc) based VLPs from E. coli fermentation. The process started with ammonium sulfate precipitation of all heterogeneous HBc structures after cell disintegration. Then, dissolution and disassembly of pellets into basic subunits were carried out under the optimized disassembly condition. All contaminants, including host nucleic acids and proteins, were efficiently removed with affinity chromatography. The purified subunits reassembled into VLPs by final removal of the chaotropic agent. Two uniform and nucleic acid free HBc-based VLPs, truncated HBc149 and chimeric HBc183-MAGE3 I, were successfully prepared. It was found that disassembly degree of HBc-based VLPs had a great influence on the protein yield, nucleic acid removal and reassembly efficiency. 4 M urea was optimal because lower concentration would not disassemble the particles completely while higher concentration would further denature the subunits into disordered aggregate and could not be purified and reassembled efficiently. For removal of strong binding nucleic acids such as in the case of HBc183-MAGE3 I, benzonase nuclease was added to the disassembly buffer before affinity purification. Through the optimized downstream process, uniform and nucleic acid free HBc149 VLPs and HBc183-MAGE3 I VLPs were obtained with purities above 90% and yields of 55.2 and 43.0 mg/L, respectively. This study would be a reference for efficient preparation of other VLPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Zhang
- National Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, PR China
| | - Yongdong Liu
- National Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, PR China.
| | - Bingyang Zhang
- National Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, PR China; School of Chemical Engineering and Advanced Materials, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA5005, Australia
| | - Shuang Yin
- National Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, PR China; School of Chemical Engineering and Advanced Materials, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA5005, Australia
| | - Xiunan Li
- National Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, PR China
| | - Dawei Zhao
- National Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, PR China
| | - Weiying Wang
- National Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, PR China
| | - Jingxiu Bi
- School of Chemical Engineering and Advanced Materials, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA5005, Australia
| | - Zhiguo Su
- National Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, PR China.
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25
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Vormittag P, Klamp T, Hubbuch J. Optimization of a Soft Ensemble Vote Classifier for the Prediction of Chimeric Virus-Like Particle Solubility and Other Biophysical Properties. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2020; 8:881. [PMID: 32850736 PMCID: PMC7411134 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2020.00881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Chimeric virus-like particles (cVLPs) are protein-based nanostructures applied as investigational vaccines against infectious diseases, cancer, and immunological disorders. Low solubility of cVLP vaccine candidates is a challenge that can prevent development of these very substances. Solubility of cVLPs is typically assessed empirically, leading to high time and material requirements. Prediction of cVLP solubility in silico can aid in reducing this effort. Protein aggregation by hydrophobic interaction is an important factor driving protein insolubility. In this article, a recently developed soft ensemble vote classifier (sEVC) for the prediction of cVLP solubility was used based on 91 literature amino acid hydrophobicity scales. Optimization algorithms were developed to boost model performance, and the model was redesigned as a regression tool for ammonium sulfate concentration required for cVLP precipitation. The present dataset consists of 568 cVLPs, created by insertion of 71 different peptide sequences using eight different insertion strategies. Two optimization algorithms were developed that (I) modified the sEVC with regard to systematic misclassification based on the different insertion strategies, and (II) modified the amino acid hydrophobicity scale tables to improve classification. The second algorithm was additionally used to synthesize scales from random vectors. Compared to the unmodified model, Matthew’s Correlation Coefficient (MCC), and accuracy of the test set predictions could be elevated from 0.63 and 0.81 to 0.77 and 0.88, respectively, for the best models. This improved performance compared to literature scales was suggested to be due to a decreased correlation between synthesized scales. In these, tryptophan was identified as the most hydrophobic amino acid, i.e., the amino acid most problematic for cVLP solubility, supported by previous literature findings. As a case study, the sEVC was redesigned as a regression tool and applied to determine ammonium sulfate concentrations for the precipitation of cVLPs. This was evaluated with a small dataset of ten cVLPs resulting in an R2 of 0.69. In summary, we propose optimization algorithms that improve sEVC model performance for the prediction of cVLP solubility, allow for the synthesis of amino acid scale tables, and further evaluate the sEVC as regression tool to predict cVLP-precipitating ammonium sulfate concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Vormittag
- Institute of Engineering in Life Sciences, Section IV: Biomolecular Separation Engineering, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | | | - Jürgen Hubbuch
- Institute of Engineering in Life Sciences, Section IV: Biomolecular Separation Engineering, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany
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26
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Saylor K, Gillam F, Lohneis T, Zhang C. Designs of Antigen Structure and Composition for Improved Protein-Based Vaccine Efficacy. Front Immunol 2020; 11:283. [PMID: 32153587 PMCID: PMC7050619 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2019] [Accepted: 02/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Today, vaccinologists have come to understand that the hallmark of any protective immune response is the antigen. However, it is not the whole antigen that dictates the immune response, but rather the various parts comprising the whole that are capable of influencing immunogenicity. Protein-based antigens hold particular importance within this structural approach to understanding immunity because, though different molecules can serve as antigens, only proteins are capable of inducing both cellular and humoral immunity. This fact, coupled with the versatility and customizability of proteins when considering vaccine design applications, makes protein-based vaccines (PBVs) one of today's most promising technologies for artificially inducing immunity. In this review, we follow the development of PBV technologies through time and discuss the antigen-specific receptors that are most critical to any immune response: pattern recognition receptors, B cell receptors, and T cell receptors. Knowledge of these receptors and their ligands has become exceptionally valuable in the field of vaccinology, where today it is possible to make drastic modifications to PBV structure, from primary to quaternary, in order to promote recognition of target epitopes, potentiate vaccine immunogenicity, and prevent antigen-associated complications. Additionally, these modifications have made it possible to control immune responses by modulating stability and targeting PBV to key immune cells. Consequently, careful consideration should be given to protein structure when designing PBVs in the future in order to potentiate PBV efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle Saylor
- Department of Biological Systems Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States
| | - Frank Gillam
- Department of Biological Systems Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States
- Locus Biosciences, Morrisville, NC, United States
| | - Taylor Lohneis
- Department of Biological Systems Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States
- BioPharmaceutical Technology Department, GlaxoSmithKline, Rockville, MD, United States
| | - Chenming Zhang
- Department of Biological Systems Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States
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27
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Shielding of Hepatitis B Virus-Like Nanoparticle with Poly(2-Ethyl-2-Oxazoline). Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20194903. [PMID: 31623310 PMCID: PMC6801929 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20194903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2019] [Revised: 08/29/2019] [Accepted: 08/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Virus-like nanoparticles (VLNPs) have been studied extensively as nanocarriers for targeted drug delivery to cancer cells. However, VLNPs have intrinsic drawbacks, in particular, potential antigenicity and immunogenicity, which hamper their clinical applications. Thus, they can be eliminated easily and rapidly by host immune systems, rendering these nanoparticles ineffective for drug delivery. The aim of this study was to reduce the antigenicity of hepatitis B core antigen (HBcAg) VLNPs by shielding them with a hydrophilic polymer, poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline) (PEtOx). In the present study, an amine-functionalized PEtOx (PEtOx-NH2) was synthesized using the living cationic ring-opening polymerization (CROP) technique and covalently conjugated to HBcAg VLNPs via carboxyl groups. The PEtOx-conjugated HBcAg (PEtOx-HBcAg) VLNPs were characterized with dynamic light scattering and UV-visible spectroscopy. The colloidal stability study indicated that both HBcAg and PEtOx-HBcAg VLNPs maintained their particle size in Tris-buffered saline (TBS) at human body temperature (37 °C) for at least five days. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) demonstrated that the antigenicity of PEtOx-HBcAg VLNPs reduced significantly as compared with unconjugated HBcAg VLNPs. This novel conjugation approach provides a general platform for resolving the antigenicity of VLNPs, enabling them to be developed into a variety of nanovehicles for targeted drug delivery.
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28
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Syomin BV, Ilyin YV. Virus-Like Particles as an Instrument of Vaccine Production. Mol Biol 2019; 53:323-334. [PMID: 32214478 PMCID: PMC7088979 DOI: 10.1134/s0026893319030154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2018] [Revised: 12/19/2018] [Accepted: 12/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The paper discusses the techniques which are currently implemented for vaccine production based on virus-like particles (VLPs). The factors which determine the characteristics of VLP monomers assembly are provided in detail. Analysis of the literature demonstrates that the development of the techniques of VLP production and immobilization of target antigens on their surface have led to the development of universal platforms which make it possible for virtually any known antigen to be exposed on the particle surface in a highly concentrated form. As a result, the focus of attention has shifted from the approaches to VLP production to the development of a precise interface between the organism's immune system and the peptides inducing a strong immune response to pathogens or the organism's own pathological cells. Immunome-specified methods for vaccine design and the prospects of immunoprophylaxis are discussed. Certain examples of vaccines against viral diseases and cancers are considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- B. V. Syomin
- Institute for Statistical Studies and Economics of Knowledge (ISSEK),
National Research University Higher School of Economics, 101000 Moscow, Russia
| | - Y. V. Ilyin
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
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29
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Lee EB, Kim JH, Hur W, Choi JE, Kim SM, Park DJ, Kang BY, Lee GW, Yoon SK. Liver-specific Gene Delivery Using Engineered Virus-Like Particles of Hepatitis E Virus. Sci Rep 2019; 9:1616. [PMID: 30733562 PMCID: PMC6367430 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-38533-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2018] [Accepted: 12/31/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Virus-like particles (VLPs) possess great potential for organ-specific transport of therapeutic agents due to their central cavity surrounded by viral capsid proteins and similar tropism to their original viruses. The N-terminal truncated second open reading frame (Nt-ORF2) of the hepatotropic hepatitis E virus (HEV) forms VLPs via self-assembly. In the present study, we investigated whether HEV-LPs could deliver foreign genes specifically to the liver. HEV-LPs were obtained from Nt-ORF2 expression in Huh7 cells that were transduced with recombinant baculoviruses and purified by continuous density gradient centrifugation. The purified HEV-LPs efficiently penetrated liver-derived cell lines and the liver tissues. To evaluate HEV-LPs as gene delivery tools, we encapsulated foreign plasmids in HEV-LPs with disassembly/reassembly systems. Green fluorescence was detected at higher frequency in liver-derived Huh7 cells treated with HEV-LPs bearing GFP-encoding plasmids than in control cells. Additionally, HEV-LPs bearing Bax-encoding plasmids induced apoptotic signatures in Huh7 cells. In conclusion, HEV-LPs produced in mammalian cells can encapsulate foreign genes in their central cavity and specifically transport these genes to liver-derived cells, where they are expressed. The present study could contribute to advances in liver-targeted gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun Byul Lee
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center & WHO Collaborating Center of Viral Hepatitis, Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Hee Kim
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center & WHO Collaborating Center of Viral Hepatitis, Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea
- am SCIENCES, C-912, SK V1 GL Metrocity, 128, Beobwonro, Songpa-gu, Seoul, 05854, Republic of Korea
| | - Wonhee Hur
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center & WHO Collaborating Center of Viral Hepatitis, Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung Eun Choi
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center & WHO Collaborating Center of Viral Hepatitis, Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea
- 1014, A Building Gangseo-Hangang-Xi Tower 401 Yangcheon-ro, Gangseo-gu, Seoul, 157-801, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Min Kim
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center & WHO Collaborating Center of Viral Hepatitis, Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong Jun Park
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center & WHO Collaborating Center of Viral Hepatitis, Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea
| | - Byung-Yoon Kang
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center & WHO Collaborating Center of Viral Hepatitis, Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea
| | - Gil Won Lee
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center & WHO Collaborating Center of Viral Hepatitis, Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Kew Yoon
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center & WHO Collaborating Center of Viral Hepatitis, Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea.
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Abstract
The highly immunogenic icosahedral capsid of hepatitis B virus (HBV) can be exploited as a nanoparticulate display platform for heterologous molecules. Its constituent core protein (HBc) of only ~180 amino acids spontaneously forms capsid-like particles (CLPs) even in E. coli. The immunodominant c/e1 epitope in the center of the HBc primary sequence comprises a solvent-exposed loop that tolerates insertions of flexible peptide sequences yet also of selected whole proteins as long as their 3D structures fit into the two acceptor sites. This constraint is largely overcome in the SplitCore system, where the sequences flanking the loop are expressed as two separate but self-complementing entities, with the foreign sequence fixed to the carrier at one end only. Both the contiguous and the split type of CLP strongly enhance immunogenicity of the displayed sequence but also nonvaccine applications can easily be envisaged. After a brief survey of the basic features of the two HBc carrier forms, we provide conceptual guidelines concerning which foreign proteins are likely to be presentable, or not, on either carrier type. We describe generally applicable protocols for CLP expression in E. coli, cell lysis and CLP enrichment by sucrose gradient velocity sedimentation, plus a simple but meaningful gel electrophoretic assay to assess proper particle formation.
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Heger-Stevic J, Zimmermann P, Lecoq L, Böttcher B, Nassal M. Hepatitis B virus core protein phosphorylation: Identification of the SRPK1 target sites and impact of their occupancy on RNA binding and capsid structure. PLoS Pathog 2018; 14:e1007488. [PMID: 30566530 PMCID: PMC6317823 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1007488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2018] [Revised: 01/03/2019] [Accepted: 11/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) replicates its 3 kb DNA genome through capsid-internal reverse transcription, initiated by assembly of 120 core protein (HBc) dimers around a complex of viral pregenomic (pg) RNA and polymerase. Following synthesis of relaxed circular (RC) DNA capsids can be enveloped and secreted as stable virions. Upon infection of a new cell, however, the capsid disintegrates to release the RC-DNA into the nucleus for conversion into covalently closed circular (ccc) DNA. HBc´s interactions with nucleic acids are mediated by an arginine-rich C terminal domain (CTD) with intrinsically strong non-specific RNA binding activity. Adaptation to the changing demands for nucleic acid binding during the viral life cycle is thought to involve dynamic phosphorylation / dephosphorylation events. However, neither the relevant enzymes nor their target sites in HBc are firmly established. Here we developed a bacterial coexpression system enabling access to definably phosphorylated HBc. Combining Phos-tag gel electrophoresis, mass spectrometry and mutagenesis we identified seven of the eight hydroxy amino acids in the CTD as target sites for serine-arginine rich protein kinase 1 (SRPK1); fewer sites were phosphorylated by PKA and PKC. Phosphorylation of all seven sites reduced nonspecific RNA encapsidation as drastically as deletion of the entire CTD and altered CTD surface accessibility, without major structure changes in the capsid shell. The bulk of capsids from human hepatoma cells was similarly highly, yet non-identically, phosphorylated as by SRPK1. While not proving SRPK1 as the infection-relevant HBc kinase the data suggest a mechanism whereby high-level HBc phosphorylation principally suppresses RNA binding whereas one or few strategic dephosphorylation events enable selective packaging of the pgRNA/polymerase complex. The tools developed in this study should greatly facilitate the further deciphering of the role of HBc phosphorylation in HBV infection and its evaluation as a potential new therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Heger-Stevic
- University Hospital Freiburg, Department of Medicine II / Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Biological Faculty, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Peter Zimmermann
- University Hospital Freiburg, Department of Medicine II / Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Biological Faculty, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Lauriane Lecoq
- Institut de Biologie et Chimie des Protéines, University of Lyon1, Lyon, France
| | - Bettina Böttcher
- Department of Biochemistry, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Michael Nassal
- University Hospital Freiburg, Department of Medicine II / Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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Jeevanandam J, Pal K, Danquah MK. Virus-like nanoparticles as a novel delivery tool in gene therapy. Biochimie 2018; 157:38-47. [PMID: 30408502 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2018.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2018] [Accepted: 11/01/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Viruses are considered as natural nanomaterials as they are in the size range of 20-500 nm with a genetical material either DNA or RNA, which is surrounded by a protein coat capsid. Recently, the field of virus nanotechnology is gaining significant attention from researchers. Attention is given to the utilization of viruses as nanomaterials for medical, biotechnology and energy applications. Removal of genetic material from the viral capsid creates empty capsid for drug incorporation and coating the capsid protein crystals with antibodies, enzymes or aptamers will enhance their targeted drug deliver efficiency. Studies reported that these virus-like nanoparticles have been used in delivering drugs for cancer. It is also used in imaging and sensory applications for various diseases. However, there is reservation among researchers to utilize virus-like nanoparticles in targeted delivery of genes in gene therapy, as there is a possibility of using virus-like nanoparticles for targeted gene delivery. In addition, other biomedical applications that are explored using virus-like nanoparticles and the probable mechanism of delivering genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaison Jeevanandam
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Science, Curtin University, CDT250, Miri, Sarawak, 98009, Malaysia
| | - Kaushik Pal
- Bharath Institute of Higher Education and Research, Bharath University, Department of Nanotechnology, Research Park, 173 Agharam Road, Selaiyur, Chennai, 600073, Tamil Nadu, India.
| | - Michael K Danquah
- Chemical Engineering Department, University of Tennessee, Chattanooga, TN, 37403, United States
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Shan W, Zhang D, Wu Y, Lv X, Hu B, Zhou X, Ye S, Bi S, Ren L, Zhang X. Modularized peptides modified HBc virus-like particles for encapsulation and tumor-targeted delivery of doxorubicin. NANOMEDICINE-NANOTECHNOLOGY BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE 2018; 14:725-734. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nano.2017.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2017] [Revised: 11/12/2017] [Accepted: 12/03/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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Purification of virus-like particles (VLPs) expressed in the silkworm Bombyx mori. Biotechnol Lett 2018; 40:659-666. [PMID: 29383470 DOI: 10.1007/s10529-018-2516-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2017] [Accepted: 01/16/2018] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Virus-like particles (VLPs) are a promising and developing option for vaccination and gene therapy. They are also interesting as shuttles for drug targeting. Currently, several different gene expression systems are available, among which the silkworm expression system is known for its mass production capacity. However, cost-effective purification with high purity of the target protein is a particular bottleneck for this system. The present review evaluates the advances in the purification of VLPs, especially from silkworm larval hemolymph. Beginning with applicable pre-treatments for VLPs over to chromatography methods and quality control of the purified VLPs. Whereupon the main focus is on the different chromatography approaches for the purification, but the structure of the VLPs and their intended use for humans make also the quality control important. Within this, the stability of the VLPs which has to be considered for the purification is as well discussed.
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Rohovie MJ, Nagasawa M, Swartz JR. Virus-like particles: Next-generation nanoparticles for targeted therapeutic delivery. Bioeng Transl Med 2017; 2:43-57. [PMID: 29313023 PMCID: PMC5689521 DOI: 10.1002/btm2.10049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 213] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2016] [Revised: 11/23/2016] [Accepted: 11/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Most drug therapies distribute the agents throughout the entire body, even though the drugs are typically only needed at specific tissues. This often limits dosage and causes discomfort and harmful side‐effects. Significant research has examined nanoparticles (NPs) for use as targeted delivery vehicles for therapeutic cargo, however, major clinical success has been limited. Current work focuses mainly on liposomal and polymer‐based NPs, but emerging research is exploring the engineering of viral capsids as noninfectious protein‐based NPs—termed virus‐like particles (VLPs). This review covers the research that has been performed thus far and outlines the potential for these VLPs to become highly effective delivery vehicles that overcome the many challenges encountered for targeted delivery of therapeutic cargo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcus J Rohovie
- Dept. of Chemical Engineering Stanford University Stanford CA 94305
| | - Maya Nagasawa
- Dept. of Bioengineering Stanford University Stanford CA 94305
| | - James R Swartz
- Dept. of Chemical Engineering Stanford University Stanford CA 94305.,Dept. of Bioengineering Stanford University Stanford CA 94305
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36
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Biabanikhankahdani R, Alitheen NBM, Ho KL, Tan WS. pH-responsive Virus-like Nanoparticles with Enhanced Tumour-targeting Ligands for Cancer Drug Delivery. Sci Rep 2016; 6:37891. [PMID: 27883070 PMCID: PMC5121657 DOI: 10.1038/srep37891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2016] [Accepted: 11/02/2016] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Multifunctional nanocarriers harbouring specific targeting moieties and with pH-responsive properties offer great potential for targeted cancer therapy. Several synthetic drug carriers have been studied extensively as drug delivery systems but not much information is available on the application of virus-like nanoparticles (VLNPs) as multifunctional nanocarriers. Here, we describe the development of pH-responsive VLNPs, based on truncated hepatitis B virus core antigen (tHBcAg), displaying folic acid (FA) for controlled drug delivery. FA was conjugated to a pentadecapeptide containing nanoglue bound on tHBcAg nanoparticles to increase the specificity and efficacy of the drug delivery system. The tHBcAg nanoparticles loaded with doxorubicin (DOX) and polyacrylic acid (PAA) demonstrated a sustained drug release profile in vitro under tumour tissue conditions in a controlled manner and improved the uptake of DOX in colorectal cancer cells, leading to enhanced antitumour effects. This study demonstrated that DOX-PAA can be packaged into VLNPs without any modification of the DOX molecules, preserving the pharmacological activity of the loaded DOX. The nanoglue can easily be used to display a tumour-targeting molecule on the exterior surface of VLNPs and can bypass the laborious and time-consuming genetic engineering approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roya Biabanikhankahdani
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Noorjahan Banu Mohamed Alitheen
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.,Institute of Bioscience, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Kok Lian Ho
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Wen Siang Tan
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.,Institute of Bioscience, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
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37
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Pumpens P, Grens E. The true story and advantages of the famous Hepatitis B virus core particles: Outlook 2016. Mol Biol 2016. [DOI: 10.1134/s0026893316040099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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38
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The Hepatitis B Virus Core Variants that Expose Foreign C-Terminal Insertions on the Outer Surface of Virus-Like Particles. Mol Biotechnol 2016; 57:1038-49. [PMID: 26446016 PMCID: PMC4619458 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-015-9895-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The major immunodominant region (MIR) and N-terminus of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) core (HBc) protein were used to expose foreign insertions on the outer surface of HBc virus-like particles (VLPs). The additions to the HBc positively charged arginine-rich C-terminal (CT) domain are usually not exposed on the VLP surface. Here, we constructed a set of recombinant HBcG vectors in which CT arginine stretches were substituted by glycine residues. In contrast to natural HBc VLPs and recombinant HBc VLP variants carrying native CT domain, the HBcG VLPs demonstrated a lowered capability to pack bacterial RNA during expression in Escherichia coli cells. The C-terminal addition of a model foreign epitope from the HBV preS1 sequence to the HBcG vectors resulted in the exposure of the inserted epitope on the VLP surface, whereas the same preS1 sequences added to the native CT of the natural HBc protein remained buried within the HBc VLPs. Based on the immunisation of mice, the preS1 epitope added to the HBcG vectors as a part of preS1(20-47) and preS1phil sequences demonstrated remarkable immunogenicity. The same epitope added to the original C-terminus of the HBc protein did not induce a notable level of anti-preS1 antibodies. HBcG vectors may contribute to the further development of versatile HBc VLP-based vaccine and gene therapy applications.
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